Opinions, please

[jnyork]

I am the range officer and match director for my club. We shoot three time a week. I have made up my mind to get a GOOD set of electronic ear muffs, I am tired of taking off and putting on the regular muffs. I am interested in getting the highest possible Noise Reduction Rating and, since almost all of my shooting is done offhand, they need to be of a slender design. I am also interested in the best quality for the money along with long term dependability. I guess you could say I want the most bang for the buck, or in this case, the least bang for the buck.

I would be interested in comments from folks who have actually USED some different models and your reactions to them. Thanks.

[Wrangler John]

There is more to hearing protection than just a set of muffs. All the electronic brands I researched had a noise reduction factor of from 20-25 dB, allowing sound levels between 82-85 dB to reach the ear. Anything above 85 db usually requires corrective action, as it is injurious over time. All sound exposure is time weighted, the longer an exposure, the more attenuation needed or exposure time needs to be reduced. Some non-electronic muffs have a higher NRR number than the electronic models. When I was a range officer for a major county rifle and pistol range we had sound levels that ran in excess of 140 dB for periods of up to 12 hours (actually the dB meter was pegged). During my subsequent assignment to a maintenance section, my actual peak noise exposure was measured at 136 dB (grinding) with a dosimeter, with the average at 95 db (MIG welding, steel fabrication and heavy equipment operation).

At the range I wore a set of Wilson ear muffs over a pair of French Laboratory ear plugs molded to my ear canal while on the firing line, and only the plugs when in the control house. Certain conditions could cause ringing of the ears even with both protectors in place, and subsequent damage. Sound is also transmitted through the skull, nasal passages and mouth, which can add damage. Signs of hearing damage from noise exposure include, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, ringing in the ears, loss of aural acuity, and confusion. Overdosing on noise will result in symptoms similar to a mild concussion, even without ringing in the ears.

My policy is to wear a good set of muffs over ear plugs (the EAR Brand Classic had the highest noise reduction of 32 dB at one time). Even with all that protection I had a serious hearing loss that resulted in a Worker's Compensation claim. I now receive a pair of hearing aids every three years from the insurance carrier - they cost over $6,000. Whatever you do, protect your hearing even at the risk of inconvenience, because hearing aids are not the best solution, and the constant tinnitus is really annoying.

The Smith and Wesson Brand seems to have good ratings.

[AJMD429]

I have Howard Leight's (sp?) from Cabela's and love them. I also have an older Peltor model that works almost as well (they are old enough that voices sound 'digital' more than the newer ones - and I think the new Peltor's generation Peltor's are better). Neither of the ones I have have any problems as far as comfort or sound reduction, and batteries for both last forever under weekend/hunting usage.

Peltor makes 'slim' ones for bench shooting or shotgunning or something, and that makes sense if you want thinner ones. Mine are the regular profile.

[Rusty]

Thanks John, that's good information.